Elrena - and wasn't it hard to get used to that name again, after all that time - realised quite quickly that she didn't like Aqua.
That wasn't much of a surprise because, in all honesty, Elrena didn't like most things.
Lauriam was an exception, but Aqua? She was too good, despite tales of a dark side while in the Realm of Darkness.
Aqua's dark side hadn't withstood Sora, but then again, Larxene hadn't withstood Sora either.
The main issue of being around Keyblade Master Aqua, though, was that Master Aqua seemed to enjoy her company.
Lauriam and Elrena had returned after their Nobodies were vanquished, and soon came to the conclusion that they needed the Guardians Of Light's help. And because they were "suspicious", it had been agreed that they'd stay in the Land of Departure for a while.
Elrena wasn't fond of following orders, in case the fact she had betrayed Xemnas wasn't enough proof. She would have been very willing to betray Xehanort if Marluxia had agreed, too.
Loyalty wasn't something Elrena gave to anyone but him, and she didn't think that would change.
If only her thoughts stopped going to Aqua without any notice.
Because she didn't like Aqua.
Even if she couldn't stop thinking about her even during the moments she didn't have to, like during Aqua's visit to Destiny Islands.
Aqua had been gone for a couple days, and Elrena would never say that she missed her, but...
It wasn't the same thing when she didn't have someone to annoy around.
"Feeling lonely?" Lauriam asked, leaning against the wall next to her.
"Why would I? You're here," Elrena countered, knowing exactly what Lauriam was trying to say and not enjoying it one bit.
"I'm not exactly the only person you hang out with these days," Lauriam said with a small smirk.
"If this is you going on about Aqua again..."
"I don't have to, you talk about her enough for both of us," Lauriam smiled for real this time. "I'm glad, you've always been kinda lonely, outside of me."
"I don't need anyone, much less her," Elrena said, a bit annoyed.
And as soon as she said that, Aqua walked in.
Elrena wasn't happy to see her, she was just... Something.
Aqua smiled at the sight of her and Lauriam, and walked until she was standing next to them.
"How was Destiny Islands, Master Aqua?" Lauriam asked.
"Kairi has it handled, I think," Aqua answered. "I hope things have gone well here in my absence?"
"You know us, not exactly known for making trouble," Elrena said sarcastically. "Things have been boring here, honestly."
"Is that so?" Aqua asked with a small smile. Elrena didn't hate Aqua's smile, she was often too serious, and it was nice to see her more relaxed. Though she didn't care all that much either way.
"What, were you expecting us to put fire in the place as soon as you were gone? I'm not Axel," Elrena said. "I actually quite enjoyed myself without you here."
Aqua took something out of her pocket and offered it to Elrena, who noticed it was a seashell.
"Couldn't be bothered to make me a wayfinder and decided to give me a single shell?" Elrena asked, knowing all about the wayfinder story, even though Aqua, Terra and Ventus had left theirs with Eraqus's Keyblade.
"I was going to make one, with real thalassa seashells this time, but I didn't have enough free time to collect more. Keep this one for a while and we'll get there eventually," Aqua offered.
Elrena fought back a grin. She wasn't much for luck charms, but it was nice that Aqua had thought of her while in an official Keyblade Master mission.
She was known for many things, but being subtle wasn't one of them. If she wanted something, she got it. And right now...
Elrena took the seashell from Aqua's hand and used her hold on Aqua's hand to get Aqua closer to her.
"You're not that bad... Master Aqua," Elrena said before stealing a kiss.
Elrena enjoyed a good kiss, but Aqua's face after they separated was somehow better than the kiss itself.
Maybe she didn't dislike Aqua that much.